NCJ Number
102412
Date Published
1986
Length
220 pages
Annotation
The criminal justice system should be reformed in accordance with the Christian principles of personal responsibility and making restitution for wrongdoing, because the current system is unfair to both victims and offenders.
Abstract
The current principle of crime as an offense against the State ignores the psychological effects of victimization and the victim's needs to resolve their experiences. The overcrowding and inhumane conditions common to prison today make the experience of imprisonment one that motivates offenders to fight the system rather than accept responsibility for what they have done. In its early history, criminal justice focused mainly on the need of the offender to restore the victim. However, the rise of the modern nation changed the focus to public peace. Confusion now exists regarding the purposes of sanctions against offenders. However, the biblical principles of restitution and reconciliation are still the more appropriate ones. The criminal justice system should focus on the use of restitution, using payments that are clearly defined, measurable, and achievable. Victim-offender reconciliation and victim assistance and compensation should also be central to criminal justice. Community supervision and other alternatives to incarceration should also increase. Recommended actions for individuals and organizations, reference notes, index, resource and reference lists, and discussion questions.